Over 700 figures from the entertainment industry, including Gal Gadot, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Michael Douglas, have signed an open letter condemning Hamas and demanding the safe return of hostages being held in Gaza. The letter, released by nonprofit Creative Community for Peace, is a significant move from the entertainment industry in support of Israel, which has been under attack.
The letter calls on the entertainment community to speak out against Hamas, support Israel, refrain from sharing misinformation about the war, and urge Hamas to return hostages to their families. Notable signatories include Zachary Levi, Andy Garcia, and Tracey-Ann Oberman.
Gal Gadot expressed her sympathy for those affected by Hamas’ terrorism and brutality, saying, “My heart is aching for the lives lost and families shattered…And I hope that the world remains steadfast in their support of the Israeli people.”
Hollywood mogul Haim Saban called for solidarity with Israel as it defends itself against a terrorist regime in Gaza that seeks its destruction. “In the aftermath of the barbaric killing of more than 1,200 Israelis, we in the Hollywood community and around the world must stand with Israel,” he said.
The conflict is dividing celebrities
The letter comes as Israel faces ongoing attacks from Hamas. On October 7, Hamas launched a surprise ambush, firing thousands of rockets from Gaza, killing civilians in their homes and committing a massacre at a music festival for peace where 260 bodies were found. At least 1,200 people have died in Israel, and over 100 civilians have been kidnapped and held hostage.
The Creative Community for Peace notes that citizens from various countries have been identified as either missing or killed in the conflict. The letter also urges international organizations to take action to help secure the release of hostages.
The signatories’ support for Israel has drawn criticism from some quarters. However, the letter’s release marks a significant move by the entertainment industry in support of Israel during a time of crisis.
This is what the letter says
“The nightmare that Israelis have feared for decades became a reality as Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israeli cities and towns.
“Under the cover of thousands of rockets fired indiscriminately into civilian populations, Hamas murdered and kidnapped innocent men, women, and children. They kidnapped and murdered infants and the elderly. They raped women and mutilated their bodies. They paraded their bodies through the streets and on social media, and cowardly attacked the Supernova Music Festival – bringing death and destruction to an event celebrating friendship and love.
“This is terrorism. This is evil. There is no justification or rationalization for Hamas’ actions. These are barbaric acts of terrorism that must be called out by everyone. They are a terrorist organization whose leaders call for the murder of Jews everywhere.
“CCFP calls on our friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry to speak out forcefully against Hamas and do whatever is in their power to urge the terrorist organization to return the innocent hostages to their families.
“As Israel takes the necessary steps to defend its citizens in the coming days and weeks, social media will be overrun by an orchestrated misinformation campaign spearheaded by Iran. We urge everyone to remember the horrific images that came out of Israel and to not amplify or fall for their propaganda.
“Our thoughts are with all those experiencing unfathomable levels of fear and violence, and we hope for the day when Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace.
